Nothing tells others that you are refined and sophisticated quite like knowing how to set a dinner table. If you know how to properly lay down a dinner set and all the associated items, you are telling others that you are not only knowledgeable, but that you care enough about them to provide not only a fine meal, but fine surroundings. In this article we will be outlining the steps required to set a dinner table for your family and friends.The BasicsThese basics will help you to get started to setting a great dinner table. You can just leave it there, or build on the basics depending on how formal a gathering you are planning to have.a) For starters you need to determine how many people are going to attend your little gathering. The rule is one place setting per person, so ensure that you have enough space (and chairs) to accommodate them.b) Now, place the dinner plate in the center of the place setting. This dinner plate will be the focal point around which all the other items will be placed.c) The fork, knife, and spoon (i.e.: the flatware) will be positioned around the dinner plate in the order in which each item will be used. The fork goes to the left of the dinner plate. The knife and spoon go to the right. The knife is placed close to the dinner plate with the cutting edge pointed towards it. Next to the knife goes the spoon.d) You now need to find a place for the water glass. Place it directly above the knife.e) Napkins make a welcome addition. They go under the forks.Informal Dinner SettingAn informal dinner party means that you just need to go with the basics, and add a few things to them. Here are a few things that you need to keep in mind:a) Are you planning on having a salad? If so, you will need a place for the salad fork. It goes to the left of the dinner fork. You already laid the dinner fork down during the basics.b) If you happen to be serving soup, set the bowl directly on top of the dinner plate, and place the soup spoon to the right of the spoon you laid down during the basics.c) If you have salad or bread and butter knives, they go directly to the left of the forks. If available, a butter plate is placed above the dinner plate with the butter knife placed on top of the butter plate.d) You will need a cup and saucer if you plan on serving coffee or tea. They go directly above the spoons, and the handle of the cup should point to the right. Water or wine glasses go to the left of the coffee cup.Formal DinnerYou have now graduated to the formal dinner setting. This dinner setting is the most elaborate of all, but don’t worry, we have you covered. All you need to do is follow the steps for an informal dinner setting, and add a few more steps. Here’s what you need to know:a) If you are planning on serving both red and white wine, you will need two wine glasses…one for each type. They go next to the water glasses that you have already positioned.b) Immediately to the right of the knife go the beverage, soup, or dessert spoons. If you like, they can be brought to the table when the soup or dessert is being served.c) A centerpiece is always nice. Look around for an appropriate one, or if you are artistic you could craft your own. It goes directly in the center of the table.That’s it. You’ve done it! Sit back and admire your dinner set and all your great work. Looks nice, don’t you think? Now all you will need is to cook up some great dishes, and open the front door. Let the party begin!